OWN Yoga

We Welcome You to Optimal Health and to Explore your Inner Journey with Us.

If you have ever been curious about what the power of yoga can do for you or are interested in deepening your practice, the time is now to explore yoga in our OWN Studio.

We bring you the poses (asanas), it is up to you to take it to whatever level you are looking for. Are you looking to improve strength, balance and flexibility? Or are you hoping to open the path to enlightenment? Whichever result you are looking for, it all begins with a breath.

Yes, yoga will benefit your physical body in so many ways, but it is also a tool to connect with the higher self through the body, to move beyond concepts and illusions. We aspire to make this an internal practice. Unlike the mind that constantly runs, the higher self is pure stillness. This is why in OWN style we move mindfully and in slow motion from one asana (posture) to the other; and while in the asana, we encourage you to connect with your inner silence and practice stillness. Slow yoga is advanced yoga.

Classes are suitable for an absolute beginner and yet will provide enough challenge for an intermediate. Regardless of your level, it is so important to remember that yoga is non-competitive and non-judgmental. Honour your body. Your safety will always be our first priority.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, JUST RELAX AND HAVE FUN WITH IT…. SEE WHERE IT TAKES YOU!

The beauty of yoga is that there are so many different styles to suit a variety of needs. There really is no one way to practice yoga. However, remember that ALL physical yoga systems (yoga with postures) are Hatha based. Here at OWN, we stay true to the classic postures as the ancients taught it.

What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha yoga is a yoga system of physical postures and breathing control. It is an ancient Indian body of knowledge that dates back more than 5000 years ago. Hatha Yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. Physically, we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. Mentally, we learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.

What Makes OWN Yoga Great?

Class Size

We believe it is more relaxing and beneficial to be in a small, intimate class. We cap most of our classes at 20 students. The overall experience is enriched.

Safety

Let’s be honest, injury in yoga class can happen. The more a teacher can give attention to each student the less likely injury will happen. Keep in mind, that most injuries happen when going into a posture and exiting a posture. If movements are slow and mindful the chance of injury is less likely.

Slow Mindful Practice

Slow yoga is advanced yoga. We practice stillness. If yoga is treated only as an exercise we just might be missing the point. Does your current yoga practice stress you out? It just might be the pace. When yoga is treated purely as exercise it loses its true essence. Do you have trouble simply slowing down in life and on the mat? You might just need slow mindful yoga more than anyone.

Teachers vs. Instructors

It’s really just semantics but, we believe that it’s more important to actually teach students yoga rather than to simply instruct. When you are truly taught something you can take this knowledge with you and apply it to your own home practice. Yes, sometimes all we need is someone to motivate us and get us on the mat but if you really want to make yoga a lifestyle it is better to do at least a little bit everyday rather than one 90 minute class a week. Let’s face it, we all have busy schedules, it’s finding the time that’s the hardest part. We empower you to develop your own personal practice.

Know the Physical and Energetic Benefits

Learn why a pose is good for us, not just physically but energetically. Chakras or “wheels of energy” in the body help to keep the physical and mental body in balance. Learn which energy centers activate each physical component.

Connecting Like-Minded People

Finally, perhaps the greatest benefit of OWN yoga is being part of the OWN community that connects it all… mind, body, spirit. We have under one roof, expert practitioners and teachers that can truly help to connect you to the whole picture. Problem with a pose? Perhaps, it’s not just physical in nature. Are you ready to learn about yourself?

PIck your level: Same pose, 4 modifications

Great for beginners to intermediates

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SPECIALTY CLASSES

Looking for something a little different? If you are interested in the following classes please sign up by contacting monica@optimalwellnessniagara.com or the teachers listed below. Classes will run with minimum 6 students.

CHAIR YOGA

This class is designed for those dealing with restricted or limited movement. The class is 30 to 40 minutes and gives all the great benefits of a regular yoga class. Click the pdf below for more information.

This class is probably not what you think of when you think of yoga. No postures – simply lie down, listen and relax. Take your internal yoga practice to a whole new level. Click the pdf below for more information.